Knees

Hi.

So I spend time on the bike six days a week, I am working with a trainer (week three of six week committment...then we discuss what happens after). However, I have a pair of knees that suck...so doing stairs, step-ups and running (even at my hobbly wobbly pace) have just left me in pain for days.

I'm not sure what to do...how to tackle the issue. Walking in general is kind of important. I was thinking of trying to do the stair climber (or hiding in the back hall at the gym where no one can see me and doing the stairs incrementally) to see if I can build up...

Anyways, anyone have any suggestions how to help out my knees?

Thanks!

Is there some reason you feel  like you have to use the stair-climber at the gym? I don't even have bad knees and I don't use it. I'm in great shape too! (if I do say so myself. LOL)

I would do exercises that don't aggrevate your knees and work with your trainer to strengthen and lengthen the muscles that lead to the knee in order to help stabilize it.

I have chondrolmilatia...some call it runners knee. Most of the cartilidge is gone under my knee caps and the muscles pull the cap in the wrong direction. So impact items are kind of tough, but I need to build and strengthen those muscles too. My trainer was having me do the stairs and steps ups and I told him after the second week of major pain I couldn't do the impact stuff.

I do ride the stationary bike, work out with the trainer three sessions a week (1.5 hours), we do weights...ropes...boxing...squats.  I am considering the eliptical, but the last time I got on it I got right off....that was like 50 pounds ago.

Eeeeehhh... I'm not a PT so take this with a grain of salt, but I don't think step ups are the typical exercise to help with knee issues. My PT told me that I need to work on these other muscles (I can't remember which ones but they were no where near the knee, maybe my gluts??) when my knees were turning in and hurting me. He explained that these other muscles are what stabilize the knee.

I've had a lot of bad experiences with trainers at the gym not really knowing what they were talking about. So, if it was me, I'd get a second opinion.

Have you tried a brace for knee?

I know they have braces for Runners Kneee but it sounds like may a simple brace that will stabilize your knee cap may help some.

Not to knock your trainer but are you working with a physical therapist?  Even if you have confidence in your trainer, I think a "second opinion" might be in order.

I got runners knee on the left side with just the little bit of running that I do (after running three days in a row for the first time). I bought a $14 knee brace for Wal-Mart and it has helped tramendously. I felt great for two weeks then had trouble again this morning. I did run two days in a row though which seems to be a problem for my big bod. lol Anyway, I say try the knee braces, if it works as good for you as it generally does for me you'll be back in business. Oh, the one I got is a Mueller.

 my gym has these....  they are the greatest thing whenever my legs/knees are acting up, or shin splits/ankles etc etc.  You can use different motions on if for different workouts, like a stepper, like a run, like an elliptical and in between.  Usually, I use an interval mode, 2 minutes using it like a stepper (the motion is actually more like riding a bike) and 2 minutes using the running stride motion.  Not sure if your gym has em, but its worth finding one that does...

http://www.precor.com/products/en/home/amt/amtr-835-adaptive -motion-trainer

Andrew, our gym has a bunch of them. I'll talk with someon tonight to show me how to use the programs.

I was directed toward physical therapy. However, having a hard time getting a slot because of my work schedule. Popular time after work apparently.

Thanks for the input everyone.

 I have the same problem with my knees. I stay away from high impact exercises and ice the heck out of my knees when I am done. I only do lower body every other day to give my knees a break.